Rescued by the Rancher by Victoria James – a Review

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Starting over and starting a whole lotta trouble…

Meredith Anderson left her difficult past behind to create a new life for herself in Tall Pines-where she can be the independent, confident woman she always dreamed of being. Now she’s a partner in her sister’s wedding planning business, helping brides realize their happily-ever-afters…even as she promises herself to never fall in love.

Meredith’s sweetness and vulnerability brings out the protective side of rancher Gage McAllister-even though their worlds are miles apart. All it takes is one night for desire to take hold of them both, a sizzling encounter that can only lead to the promise of more. But Meredith isn’t looking for more, and even if she was, Gage is set to leave Tall Pines behind him…

Review:

When I was asked to review the second book in the Tall Pines Ranch series, I had never read a book by Victoria James. Plus I tend to be one of those afflicted by the “must be read in order” syndrome, so I decided that to begin at the beginning with this series was the right approach. The Rancher’s Second Chance is Melanie and Cole’s story where the main characters of the second book, Gage Mackenzie and Meredith Anderson, first meet. Be assured that both books can definitely be read as standalones and it’s not necessary to read them in order of release either, but I’m glad that I did because both were delightful surprises.

My review won’t give away many of the story’s details that might detract readers from discovering their own pleasures as they read each page. And the blurb provides plenty enough info to grab a reader’s attention. Suffice to say that here you’ll find yourself on a beautiful Colorado ranch among charming characters in a captivating and well-written storyline.

It’s a clear cut case of opposites attracting. He’s country – she’s city – he’s had a far less-than-charmed life – and she’s had everything money can buy. But one night of dancin’ and drinkin’ at a cowboy bar called the Horseshoe leadstoa “friendly proposition” that might lend just the stroke of luck needed for a perfect blending of two hearts.

Rescued by the Rancher begins about a year after the first book ends. Meredith is living on the Forrester’s ranch where she and her sister Melanie are now business partners. Meredith left behind her lying, cheating, scumbag fiancé, parents that used guilt to control her, and a huge fortune when she set out to start a new life for herself. I love watching a character like Meredith mature and develop from a spoiled rich socialite into a strong and successful woman who has taken charge of her life with a few lingering insecurities. Meredith is also holding onto a heartbreaking secret and one that leaves her feeling certain she’ll never fall in love again. These blips really accentuated the depth and quality of her character. This girl has some sass and spunk – and there won’t be any boots walking all over her either. Cheering her on is an easy choice.    

Gage is Cole’s best friend and the Ranch Foreman for Forrester’s Tall Pines Ranch where he’s lived since he was a teenager. He loves Mrs. H’s chocolate cake, Sunday night television, and he hopes to have land and a home of his own in the near future. He’s ruggedly handsome, charming, smoking hot, and he’s got his choice of any woman around – but ever since Meredith literally fell into his arms a year ago, he wants only her but feels he can’t give her what she deserves. Gage is hiding secrets of his own that he’s ashamed for anyone to learn. He, too, carries a promise to never fall in love. Being raised by an unwed mother, who chose drugs and loser men over him, has left some dangling family issues that Gages feels a responsibility towards. He might be a little too good to be true – as he takes his responsibilities to new heights – even when he owes nothing but a swift kick in the derriere to some people.

Readers will find plenty of sizzling chemistry and combustion in the blazing relationship between Gage and Meredith before the door closes on fully explicit scenes. This may lead to disappointment for some, but I found each of those moments framed believably and quite moving in substantiating the intimacy and passion between Gage and Meredith.

The secondary cast, including reappearances by Melanie and Cole, is solid and strong. One particular secondary cast member, the matchmaking housekeeper Mrs. H, is a hoot and a sweetheart all rolled into one. She adds her own special touches with sweet treats, a few scolds here and there with the help of her trusty hand towel and, of course, her protective mama bear hugs that will surely steal your heart.

A cache of treasures can be uncovered in the bursts of humor and romance amid the complicated absurdities of life that takes place. Nobody escapes the hard knocks. There are enough ongoing family difficulties on both sides of the fence, along with matters of the heart, to keep momentum at a high. Parental issues abound – but among them, there is one gloriously notable surprise for someone who deserves it the most. I was brought to tears and admiration zoomed to a high point. Rest assured that the angst by no means unbalances the good times rolling onward.

Although I’m not a huge fan of this sub-genre, there are times when after a long line of darker and grittier reads, a dose of cowboy-sexy in butt-hugging jeans and boots fulfills a much needed change in pace, scenery and content. I also had my heart broken and pieced back together again, and in between found myself laughing out loud while also drying my sniffles, too.   It would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I loved the well-chosen cover for RESCUED BY THE RANCHER – it provides an apt visual that sparks the good vibes and sizzling chemistry between the two main characters in this story.  

From start to finish, this is a quick and fun-filled few hours of reading that was a wonderfully entertaining installment to the Tall Pines Ranch Series!


Reviewed by: Anne 

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.